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Operational Requirements in Equine Practice

Rosina Lillywhite

VetPartners Nursing School, Petersfield, United Kingdom

Glossary

Hazard

A hazard is a dangerous phenomenon, substance, human activity or condition. It may cause loss of life, injury or other health impacts and property damage [1].

Risk

Risk is the possibility of something bad happening. Risk involves uncertainty about the effects/implications of an activity concerning something that humans value, often focusing on negative, undesirable consequences [1].

Risk assessment

A risk assessment is simply a careful examination of what could cause harm to people to enable precautions to be taken to prevent injury and ill health [1].

1.1 Aims of Health and Safety

Effective health and safety within a veterinary practice aims to ensure the well‐being and safety of all individuals involved, including staff, clients and animals. The specific aims can be summarised as follows:

• Reduction of risks: Effective health and safety practices aim to identify, assess and minimise risks within the veterinary practice. This involves conducting thorough risk assessments to identify potential hazards, such as dangerous equipment, hazardous substances or unsafe working conditions. The risks can be significantly reduced or eliminated by implementing appropriate controls and safety measures, such as providing personal protective equipment (PPE), establishing safe work procedures and maintaining a clean and organised environment.
• Utilising assessments, controls and quality improvement: Health and safety assessments are crucial to identify hazards and assess risks within the veterinary practice. Regular inspections and evaluations of the premises, equipment and procedures are conducted to ensure compliance with relevant health and safety regulations. Controls, such as engineering controls like ventilation systems and administrative controls like training programs, are implemented to prevent or minimise risks. Additionally, continuous quality improvement processes are established to monitor and enhance health and safety practices within the veterinary practice.
• Identification of animals: It is essential to accurately identify animals within a veterinary practice to ensure proper care and minimise potential risks. This involves maintaining thorough records that include the animal’s identity, such as name, species, breed, age and any relevant medical history. Additionally, information regarding the animal’s temperament and behaviour is essential for staff to handle and interact with the animals safely and appropriately. Each patient should have an identity tag attached to their mane and additional tags attached to any equipment that clients leave at the practice. Details on the tag include the name of the patient, the name of the client, the procedure to be performed and the date the patient was admitted.

Effective health and safety measures within a veterinary practice consider clients’ and staff’s specific needs and vulnerabilities. Some individuals may be at special risk due to various factors, such as:

• Asthma: Steps should be taken to minimise exposure to allergens or irritants that could trigger asthma attacks. This may involve proper ventilation, regular cleaning and avoiding known allergens.
• Visual or hearing impediments: Adequate measures should be in place to ensure effective communication with individuals who have visual or hearing impairments. This may include using visual aids, written instructions or providing sign language interpreters.
• Impaired literacy: Clear and easily understandable communication materials should be provided to accommodate individuals with impaired literacy. This could involve using visual aids, simple language and providing necessary assistance.
• Pregnancy: Pregnant staff members should be provided with appropriate information and support to ensure their safety and the well‐being of the developing foetus. This may involve modifying work tasks or providing additional protective measures.
• Age: Special consideration should be given to younger and older individuals regarding their physical capabilities and vulnerabilities. Adjustments may be necessary to accommodate their specific needs and ensure their safety (adjustments may include ensuring the elderly can sit if required and the young are not left unattended on a yard).
• Disabilities: Individuals with disabilities should be provided with reasonable accommodations to ensure their safety and ability to perform their job responsibilities effectively. This may include modifying workstations, providing assistive devices or offering additional support as needed.

By considering the specific needs and risks associated with these individuals, veterinary practices can create a safe and inclusive environment that promotes the well‐being of all staff and clients.

1.2 Health and Safety Legislation

In the United Kingdom, health and safety legislation is governed by various acts and regulations that aim to protect worker’s and the general public’s health, safety and welfare. The primary legislation that forms the foundation of health and safety regulations in the United Kingdom is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) and other health and safety legislation in the United Kingdom include [2]:

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA)

This is a primary piece of legislation in the United Kingdom that sets out the legal framework for workplace health and safety. It applies to all employers, employees, self‐employed individuals and anyone who controls workplaces and the health and safety of others. Some key aspects of the HSWA are as follows [2]:

• General duties [2]: The HSWA places general duties on employers, employees, self‐employed individuals and others to ensure the health, safety and welfare of individuals at work. These duties include:
  • Employers: Have a duty to provide a safe working environment, including safe equipment, proper training and competent supervision. Employers must also ensure the health and safety of others who may be affected by the work activities, such as visitors or the public.
  • Employees: Have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety, as well as that of others who may be affected by their actions at work. They should follow the provided training, use safety equipment properly and report any hazards or concerns to their employer.
  • Self‐employed individuals: They are responsible for ensuring their health and safety and that of others affected by their work activities. They must safely conduct their work and comply with relevant regulations.
• Risk assessment: The HSWA requires employers to conduct risk assessments to identify hazards in the workplace and evaluate the associated risks. Risk assessments should be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary. The aim is to identify suitable control measures to eliminate or minimise risks to health and safety.
• Consultation and information: The HSWA emphasises the importance of consultation and communication between employers and employees regarding health and safety matters. Employers must consult with safety representatives or employee representatives on health and safety issues, and employees should be provided with relevant information and training.
• Enforcement and inspections: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the regulatory body responsible for enforcing health and safety laws in Great Britain. The Act grants the HSE powers to inspect workplaces, investigate accidents, issue improvement or prohibition notices if necessary and prosecute those who fail to comply with the legislation.
• Offences and penalties: The HSWA establishes various offences and penalties for non‐compliance with health and safety duties. Serious breaches of the HSWA can result in fines, imprisonment or both. The Act also provides for the liability of company directors, managers and other individuals who have consented to or connived in an offence.
• Application to other workplaces: The HSWA applies to a wide range of workplaces, including offices, factories, construction sites, mines, offshore installations and other premises where people work. It also covers activities that may affect the health and safety of individuals, such as construction work, maintenance and use of equipment.
• The HSWA 1974 is a broad and comprehensive piece of legislation that sets the foundation for health and safety management in the United Kingdom. It establishes the general duties and responsibilities of employers, employees and others and provides a legal framework for promoting a safe and healthy working environment.

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR) is pivotal in ensuring workers’ health, safety and welfare in the United Kingdom. These regulations, introduced under the HSWA, provide a comprehensive framework for managing workplace risks and fostering a safety culture. The key provisions of the MHSWR highlight their significance in safeguarding workplace well‐being [3].

Risk Assessment

Central to the MHSWR is the requirement for employers to systematically assess...